Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from big win over Michigan in Week 8

Penn State football outlasted the Michigan Wolverines in a back and forth affair at Beaver Stadium. Here are three takeaways from the game.

What first appeared to be a massacre became a back and forth affair as the Penn State Nittany Lions found a way to hold on and win  a close game 28-21 in a sea of white this evening.

The Nittany Lions jumped out to a 21-0 lead, but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions had issues all night sustaining drives against the Michigan defense, but lived and died on the big play tonight.

It took the Wolverines a quarter and a half to get in the game. They survived the initial surge from Penn State. The home crowd had energy, and they were ready to play. It was loud, and the fans were into the game.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines they were down 21-0 when they settled into the game. Although Shea Patterson turned the ball yet again, he didn’t play poorly. In fact, there’s an argument to be made this was the best Patterson has played in a big game in a Michigan uniform. He was tough, and showed tremendous leadership in this game.

As the Michigan defense found its footing and shut out the Nittany Lions for about two quarters, the Michigan offense took advantage and scored twice. It was too little too late, however as Penn State held on for the victory.

Here are three more takeaways from Saturday night’s game.